University researchers develop new veterinary vaccines against swine brucellosis

Scientists at the University of Navarra are developing newveterinary vaccines against swine brucellosis. This research part of project REPRODIVAC project , whose goal design innovativedesign and diagnostic tests for veterinary useto prevent infectious diseases that affect livestock reproduction.

Among these diseases, which have asignificant economic impact on the livestock sector, is swine brucellosis. “In addition to the losses it causes, it poses athreat to public healthbecause, depending on the strain of Brucella, it can be transmitted to humans (zoonosis),” explains Raquel Conde-Alvarez, a researcher on project professor at the School of Science.

During the first phase of project, which began in 2022, scientists at the University of Navarra worked on identifying the most suitable antigens and producing vaccine candidates (prototypes).Initial trials are currently underwayto evaluate their efficacy in animals, in partnership the University of Lleida and the Agri-Food Technologyresearch center of Aragon.

“We are analyzing the immune response generated by these vaccine candidates in pigs, their natural host. These programs of study are crucial for optimizing design and ensuring their efficacy under real-world conditions,” explains the scientist.

The University of Navarra is one of theEuropean partners in project , funded by theEuropean Union’s“Horizon Europe” program, which includes 16 institutions from seven countries. In addition to swine brucellosis, research is being conducted on vaccines for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which is viral in origin; Q fever, caused by the bacteriumCoxiella burnetii; enzootic abortion in sheep, caused byChlamydia abortus; and swine brucellosis, caused byBrucella suis.

These diseases,which areendemic in many regions of the world,cause miscarriages and infertility in major livestock species(cattle, sheep, and pigs), affecting both animal welfare and the economic sustainability of the livestock sector.

Vaccination vs. Antibiotic Use
In addition to their impact on production, some of these diseases pose anadded risk to public health, as they can be transmitted from animals to humans. In this context, REPRODIVAC advocates for preventive strategies based onvaccination as an alternative to the use of drugs, especially antibiotics, whose misuse is contributing to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

“This project a significant step forward in the development more effective and safer tools for preventing diseases that affect both animal health and public health. The combination of innovative vaccines and accurate diagnostic tools will help improve the control of these infections worldwide, promotingsafer, more sustainable, and more responsible production and food systems,”says Dr. Conde-Alvarez.